Page:Blanchard on L. E. L.pdf/41

Rh were rapidly sold; and that the tide of fortune began to flow in with that of fame. But not a day did she allow herself to pause in the enjoyment of these new delights, and the advantages they were bringing to those of whom she always thought more than of herself. Her imagination would know no rest. Her weekly contributions of sketch and song were continued with unabated freshness and vigour; amidst feelings, kindled by the success of her work, which she afterwards touchingly described— "If ever happiness In its most passionate excess Offered its wine to human lip, It has been mine that cup to sip. I may not say with what deep dread The words of my first song were said; I may not say what deep delight Has been upon my minstrel flight. Thanks to the gentleness that lent My young lute such encouragement." It incited her to another trial of it, for another poem was commenced before the close of the year.

The progress of this new work was, however, interrupted by an event not wholly unlooked-for, but for which a heart so filially attached as hers could never be thoroughly prepared. Hitherto, L. E. L. had resided under her father's roof, excepting only during an interval of a year or two passed with her grandmother in Sloane-street, or spent in visits to other members of the family. Now, however, in the midst of her success; and in the freshness of her yet brighter hope, it was her misfortune to be deprived of her beloved parent; of him, whom to please was the first desire of her heart. Mr. Landon lived only long enough to